Business Interviews News Technology Technology Trends

IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT THE CUSTOMER SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN IT SOLUTIONS – VOKE BENJAMIN

 

 

 

Voke Benjamin Agadagba, the Managing Consultant of VAB Solutions Limited, an indigenous information technology (IT) firm based in Lagos talks about cyber security, the need for organisations to ensure that they have top-notch cyber security system that can stop breaches. He also talks about the importance of customer satisfaction to VAB Solutions Limited. Anthony Nwosu captured this in an exclusive interview.

VAB Solutions as an IT firm has been around for some time, can we know your core areas of IT?

VAB Solutions started operation January 2018 however the company was incorporated September 2017, We like to think of ourselves as an information technology ( IT ) Advisor, meaning we believe our customers ought to understand the core value of IT and appreciate the return on investment (ROI) in any solution that will ease their paint point before getting into any agreement, VAB Solutions derives the acronyms VAB from Values Added Business, our core areas of interest is IT infrastructure and IT Security, we are not a jack of all trade organization but we like to harness the knowledge so as to advise our customers and potential customer the benefits from an end to end solution of their pain points

Strategic Managed and Advisory Services is one of the things you do, can we know about it?

VAB Solutions sees herself as an IT Advisor, Being one of the top tier organization for IT Service Management in the country, you would come to realize that one of our keyword is SERVICES, part of our services is Advisory services, We believe we should advise and educate our customer on a possible solution to their pain points, as such before we get to any contractual term, it is our belief that the customer should be educated, Advised and coached on possible remediable solutions to the possible pain points, Another service we render is strategic managed services, We don’t just find a solution to a pain point and then walk away, No, we manage the solutions that has been provided and then embed ourselves in providing values to our customer, not only many customers are now moving to the cloud, due to the fact that they want to face their cores business and leave the IT side of things to the experts, it is at the point we manage the customers critical applications that will yield value to the customer

It is most time cumbersome for firms to comply regulatory matters, how do your solutions address this?

Majority of our customers are regulated by the country’s regulatory systems; part of our focus is to make sure that our customers are able to scale through the regulation within the regulated time frame. We are there with them and do the whole 9 mile with our customers. From planning to deployment and execution, we try as much to ensure that our clients and customers are in tandem with the regulatory realities.

You offer strategic IT security solutions to firm, how is yours different from many in in the market?

A lot of IT firms sell security solutions, but we don’t follow the same logic in selling security solutions to the market, our approach is the same as some of the vendors that we partner with, First, we like to understand the situation, so we can give the best advice, secondly, we then render solutions that will embed the customer’s systems for a long time. We are indeed in business to make money but paramount that is to have a have customer call us and gives us a thumbs up. This a lot shows the value and not the money. I believe the keyword here is value, Many companies sell security solution, but the question is how long does it take for the customer to realize that the tool you have provided lacks some features or doesn’t the work as expected, in lieu of the above we only partner with OEM’s that have long lasting credibility in the market and solutions that cater not just for the customer but with their solution they can solve the customers issues not for 2, 4, 5years, NO, but a solutions that embeds itself with the customer. For instance, our approach of selling security solution is for the customer to not just see the benefit for 1 year but for a long period of time, giving us the opportunity to win deals for a span of 5-10years period on the initial purchase

Is your IT security also designed for SMEs?

Definitely, we sell security solutions for the Enterprise Market and Small medium organizations, we also factor the organization budget in offering their security needs, being an organization that prefer to render value, we have strong relationships with our vendors and preach the needs to factor all organization in our sales circle. So, we do not have a particular market we are focused in, we can work with the small firms and big conglomerates.

What can firms do to ensure that their data are not breached?

Data Breach can be prevented by taking certain security measures which includes but is not limited to; Ensuring the security application software(s) are running and are up to date. Using multifactor authentication where necessary.  Also, the need to have updated system is critical, as criminals and hacks get more sophisticated the need to have updated system is important.

Do you think that data laws in the country are up to date and in sync with the realities of our time?

Yes, they are, and there’s room for improvement. You know that it is an evolutionary process, we cannot say as a nation that we have arrived in terms of Cyber acts and laws, there is room for improvement. But,I think the law we have now is commendable.

What are the challenges that you face in business?

Luckily for us, we started off on a good note, however we won’t be in business if our customers are not doing excitedly well themselves, majority of the challenges of a startup business is capital, also another key challenge has to do with trust, luckily for us we have built a lot of trust and relationship in the market prior to commencing this journey, in simple truth no one wants a company to tarnish their image and we are in the business to keep a reputation

Tell us about your managed services?

it is a 24/7 system administration that mitigate interruptions from hindering your business with 24/7 system administration. VAB solutions provides timely troubleshooting and issue resolution to ensure the continuous health of your IT environment. our patch management & firmware updates ensure your systems are up-to-date and strategically deploy and schedule optimizations through critical patches and firmware updates. VAB solutions security-first focus guarantees that system flaws are always repaired in a timely and effective manner. then our hhelp desk support provides your team members with the it supports they need to perform critical tasks. Our 24hr /7 days remote help desk support allows organizations to benefit from expert assistance and constant accessibility while saving on costs. the cloud management services we have help you to run your infrastructure in the cloud and support these infrastructures.

What are the things that you have put in place to ensure that clients are well taken care of?

One key factor is well trained colleagues, Chiamaka IGWE has given great support and innovation to our customers and also the idea of knowledge transfers and continuous education, we are proud our customers solutions appreciate the we introduce into the market

Do you think that the regulators are doing enough to support indigenous firms like yours?

Well, we want to be believe they are doing what they can; we hope to see them do more.

 

 

I believe the keyword here is value, Many companies sell security solution, but the question is how long does it take for the customer to realize that the tool you have provided lacks some features or doesn’t the work as expected, in lieu of the above we only partner with OEM’s that have long lasting credibility in the market and solutions that cater not just for the customer but with their solution they can solve the customers issues not for 2, 4, 5years, NO, but a solutions that embeds itself with the customer. For instance, our approach of selling security solution is for the customer to not just see the benefit for 1 year but for a long period of time, giving us the opportunity to win deals for a span of 5-10years period on the initial purchase

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy

Chowdeck Secures $2.5 Million in Seed Funding, Spearheading Growth in Nigeria’s Food Delivery Sector

post-image

 

 

Tobi Fasipe, Rider Operations Lead at Chowdeck, announced today a significant milestone in the company’s journey, as it secured $2.5 million in seed funding. This investment marks a pivotal moment for Chowdeck, highlighting its rapid expansion and commitment to revolutionizing the food delivery landscape in Nigeria.

Fasipe expressed his excitement about the recent achievements, citing the remarkable growth of Chowdeck’s on-demand delivery service. From processing just 1,000 deliveries daily upon his arrival, the company now boasts a dedicated team of over 3,000 riders handling an impressive 14,000 deliveries per day across 8 major Nigerian cities.

The meteoric rise in delivery volumes underscores Chowdeck’s relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to providing exceptional service to its customers. This commitment is further evidenced by the company’s Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), which skyrocketed from ₦1 billion in October 2023 to an impressive ₦2.4 billion by March 2024, marking a remarkable 140% increase in just…

Read More
Business Economy Society

UBA Group GMAP Graduation Ceremony: Insights for Success Unveiled

post-image

 

In a resounding declaration of ambition and determination, the 2024 cohort of UBA Group’s Graduate Management Trainee Program (GMAP) stepped onto the stage last week, marking the beginning of their journey within the prestigious financial institution. Led by a seasoned executive, the induction ceremony not only welcomed the newcomers but also imparted invaluable insights for navigating the intricate pathways of career growth and personal development.

Reflecting on his own humble beginnings, the executive shared anecdotes from his early days as a trainee, highlighting the blend of ambition, thirst for knowledge, and the daunting challenges that lay ahead. Eager to engage with the fresh talent, he opened the floor to questions, unveiling the aspirations and concerns of a generation poised to leave their mark on the world.

Among the plethora of wisdom shared, several key takeaways emerged from the insightful dialogue:

1. Conquering Challenges with Resilience:** Armed with anecdotes from his own journey,…

Read More
Business Economy

Self-sustainability solutions and smart technology will help South Africa overcome its water crisis

post-image

 

 

Technology company, Versofy, best known for its solar solutions and services, says that preparing for South Africa’s water crisis should become a significant priority. The company, which is fast becoming a necessity-driven entrepreneurial brand, believes that further use of smart technology will also remain critical when addressing the pressing issues of water scarcity in South Africa.

 

Ross Mains-Sheard, Co-Founder and CEO of Versofy, says that South Africa’s water crisis is fast approaching scarcity status: “We believe that by promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability through our own smart technology solutions, we will help to address the increasing concerns regarding an imminent water shortage.”

 

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) estimates that 2.2 billion people across the globe don’t have access to clean drinking water. This is of concern when considering that water is a basic need for health and hygiene.   According to DBSA, South Africa’s physical water scarcity will become…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Entertainment Investments

Nigerians Rally Against DSTV’s High Subscription Rates, Embrace SLTV as Affordable Alternative – Anthony Emeka Nwosu

post-image

 

Amid mounting dissatisfaction with DSTV’s steep subscription fees, Nigerians are turning to SLTV in droves, marking a significant shift in the country’s television landscape.

The online outcry against DSTV gained traction when Mike Igozino voiced his frustration, announcing his switch to SLTV and condemning DSTV’s exploitation of hard-earned income. His sentiments resonated widely, sparking a wave of support for SLTV as a more economical option for premium entertainment.

“I can watch all Premier League, Champions League, Italian and Spanish leagues with just #5K monthly?! And DSTV collects 23,800 from me monthly… Nigerians, shine your eyes, DSTV came to steal from us,” declared Igozino, encapsulating the sentiment of many disillusioned consumers.

Jennifer Chioma Owolabi echoed the sentiment, expressing her eagerness to explore SLTV as a viable alternative to DSTV. She sought insights into SLTV’s offerings beyond sports channels, highlighting the growing interest in diversifying entertainment options.

Read More
Business Economy Society Software

Azentio Software wins three honours at IBS intelligence (IBSi) Digital Banking Awards 2024

post-image

Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a Singapore-headquartered technology firm owned by funds advised by Apax Partners, announced today that it has won three awards with its respective clients, at the IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024 ceremony, held as a part of the prestigious Cedar-IBSi Digital Banking & AI Summit, on April 19 in Bengaluru, India. The company was declared Segment Winners I SME/Corporate Banking, Regional Winners I Middle East & Africa, and Segment Winners I Compliance Management.

 

Organised by IBS intelligence (IBSi), one of the world’s leading financial technology research, advisory, and news analysis firm firms, the annual award program honours technology players, Banking as a Service (BaaS) providers, digital banks, neo banks, and challenger banks for their excellence in driving impact through technology implementations and innovations using emerging technologies.

The Azentio Accolades

  • Digital Badge of Segment Winners I SME/Corporate Banking
  • Digital Badge of Regional Winners I…
Read More
Announcements Business Economy

Ethnos Hosts FinTech Association of Nigeria for Collaborative Discussions on Cybersecurity

post-image

 

Ethnos, a leading cybersecurity firm based in Lagos, recently welcomed the esteemed members of the FinTech Association of Nigeria to their premises for a collaborative meeting aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures within the financial technology sector.

The event provided an invaluable platform for industry stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s burgeoning fintech industry. Led by Peter Ejiofor, the CEO of Ethnos, the gathering underscored the importance of fostering strong partnerships to fortify cybersecurity frameworks and mitigate emerging threats.

Expressing gratitude to the FinTech Association of Nigeria for their visit, Peter Ejiofor remarked, “Thank you to the FinTech Association of Nigeria for stopping by at our office. It was a pleasure hosting such esteemed professionals, and we are committed to fostering positive progress and achievements in our collaborative efforts moving forward.”

The meeting exemplified Ethnos’ dedication to promoting cybersecurity excellence and its commitment to supporting…

Read More
Business Economy Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Africa Data Centres debuts ADC Channel programme

post-image

The primary goal of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration among partners within the ISP, Carrier, Telecommunications, Systems Integration, ICT and Data Centre providers; Channel Partners will have additional product offerings to add to their current portfolio and in turn generate new revenue streams; The programme offers partners easy access to data centre experts and will provide ongoing commercial and technical support.

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive channel partner programme, ADC Channel. This programme is designed to establish colocation and ecosystem partnerships, empowering members to expand their product portfolio & offerings alongside their market presence including an expanded data centre footprint.

ADC Channel presents a unique opportunity for global carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), system integrators, Data Centres, Mobile Network, Content Developer, telecommunications companies, network infrastructure operators, hyperscalers and others to deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable and cost-effective digital solutions to…

Read More
Business

Chinenye Anuforo Honored with MTN Nigeria Foundation Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Reportage

post-image

 

Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist with The Sun Newspapers, has been recognized with the prestigious MTN Nigeria Foundation Chairman’s Award for Innovative Reportage. The award ceremony took place during the School of Media and Communication’s (SMC) graduation ceremony for the MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP-2).

Presented by Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director and Board Member of MTN Foundation, along with a cash prize, the award acknowledges Chinenye’s exceptional report on the MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur initiative. This initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by providing essential tools such as training, funding, and mentorship.No alt text provided for this image

Chinenye’s report highlighted the significant impact of the Y’ellopreneur initiative on women’s entrepreneurial aspirations in Nigeria. Her insightful exploration of the program’s contributions earned her this esteemed recognition.

Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am pleased to receive the MTN Foundation Chairman’s…

Read More